How to shop strategically, reduce pesticide exposure, and wash your produce the right way — including the evidence-based baking soda method.

If you or someone you love is navigating a cancer diagnosis, the food choices you make every single day matter. Not just in terms of nutrition, but in terms of what may be riding along on your produce when it arrives at your plate.

Every year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzes data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to identify which fruits and vegetables carry the highest — and lowest — levels of pesticide residues. Their findings are published as two iconic lists: the Dirty Dozen™ and the Clean 15™.

At Prevail Over Cancer, we follow the principle: Prevail. Assess. Don't Guess.™ That means making informed decisions grounded in real data — including the data on what's sprayed on your food.

This guide will walk you through both lists, explain why pesticide exposure matters in t...

Plant lectin impacts on cancer cells, risks, and treatments.

Written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, Clinical Nutritionist, Retired Pharmacist, Founder of Prevail Over Cancer

What are Lectins?

Lectins are a type of protein found in many plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. According to a 2015 review out of China published in the Cell Proliferation, plant lectins can modify the expression of specific immune cells and alter signaling pathways to help kill off cancer cells and block tumor growth.[a]

How Lectins Interact with Cancer Cells

Interestingly, some lectins are used to detect and diagnose cancer cells. Lectins manifest diverse activities, including inhibiting virus, and antitumor, antifungal, and anti-insect activities. Others are used for therapeutic purposes because of their anti-tumor activity and ability to trigger cancer cell death.[b]

Plant lectins attach to cancer cells and induce their cell death through autophagy (the body break...